EU External Aid Programme: Audit

Lord Hylton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Written Answer by Lord McIntosh of Haringey on 6 June (WA 143), when the European Court of Auditors first commented on the European Union External Aid Programme and what action was taken as a result; and whether they will ask the Court to keep the aid programme under continuous review, with particular reference to the European Union commitment to restoring through navigation on the Danube by clearing the obstructions at Novi Sad.

Baroness Amos: Audit for the European Union External Aid Programme is the responsibility of the European Court of Auditors, who produce a report in November each year. Through this report, they already keep the aid programme under continuous review.
	We are following closely progress on the European Commission's commitment of up to 22 million euros for clearance of the Danube at Novi Sad.

British Council: Primary and Secondary Education in Developing Countries

Baroness Rawlings: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Further to the Answer by Baroness Amos on 20 June (H.L. Deb., col. 150), what role the British Council will play in developing primary and secondary education in developing countries.

Baroness Amos: The council undertakes work for the Department for International Development (DFID) under contract arrangements. This is carried out on an entirely commercial basis, with the council competing against others who provide services in the areas of interest to the council. DFID will continue to invite the council to submit proposals to manage work it is commissioning in these and other areas of our development policy.

Lorries: Weight and Dimension Limits

Lord Shore of Stepney: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What is the present maximum weight, height and length of lorries permitted to use roads in the United Kingdom; when these maximum weights, heights and lengths were last imposed and what were the previous dimensions; and whether these maxima are set by United Kingdom or European Union law and, if the latter, whether by unanimity or qualified majority.

Lord Whitty: The maximum weights for lorries in the United Kingdom is 41 tonnes for general transport and 44 tonnes when used for combined road/rail transport.
	The maximum length is 12 metres for a single rigid vehicle, 16.5 metres for an articulated vehicle and 18.75 metres for a road train (a combination of a lorry and trailer).
	There are no regulations limiting the height of lorries.
	The changes were made as follows:
	
		
			  Year of change From To 
			 Weight 1999 38 tonnes 41 tonnes 
			 Length (single vehicle) 1986 11 metres 12 metres 
			 Length (articulated vehicles) 1990 15.5 metres 16.5 metres 
			 Length (road train) 1998 18.35 metres 18.75 metres 
		
	
	Weight limits are set by the UK regulations. The other dimensions are set by EU Directive 96/53/EC, which was agreed by qualified majority voting.

Special Vehicles: Excise Duty

Earl Attlee: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	In the light of the case R v Reilly Concrete Pumping, what is the correct taxation class for the following types of vehicle:
	(a) a mobile crane;
	(b) a digging machine;
	(c) a concrete pumping machine; and
	(d) a works truck,
	where the vehicle was originally designed and constructed as a goods vehicle; and
	In the light of the case R v Reilly Concrete Pumping, what is the correct taxation for the following classes of vehicle if they were originally designed, constructed and are still used as:
	(a) a mobile crane;
	(b) a digging machine;
	(c) a concrete pumping machine; and
	(d) a works truck,

Lord Whitty: For (a), mobile cranes, and (b), digging machines, the relevant sections of Part IV of Schedule 1 to the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994 do not refer to the vehicle's original design and construction, but their design and construction at the time when they were being used for these purposes. Both types would therefore fall to be taxed in the Special Vehicles class with an annual rate of duty of £165.
	For (c), a concrete pumping machine, the effect of the Appeal Court judgement in R v Reilly Concrete Pumping is that such a vehicle should be licensed in the goods vehicle tax class appropriate to its operating weight and axle configuration. This applies regardless of whether the vehicle was originally constructed as a concrete pump or adapted from a vehicle chassis originally used for other purposes.
	For (d), a works truck, so long as the vehicle was designed for use within private premises and is used in accordance with paragraph 4(6) of Schedule 1 to the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994, the vehicle would fall to be licensed as a works truck in the Special Vehicles tax class, with an annual rate of duty of £165.

Vehicle Excise Duty: Advice

Earl Attlee: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What procedure individuals should follow if they are not sure of the correct taxation class of a vehicle for which they are responsible.

Lord Whitty: Any person with a query concerning the correct taxation class of a vehicle should contact their local DVLA Vehicle Registration Office--whose address can be found in their local telephone directory--or the Vehicle Enquiry Unit at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Centre in Swansea.

Minister for Transport: Travel on London Underground

Lord Lamont of Lerwick: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many journeys the Minister for Transport has made on London Underground in the last month, the last three months and the last six months.

Lord Macdonald of Tradeston: Ministers travel by car and by public transport on a regular basis on official visits and on journeys to their office.
	We are required under the Ministerial Code always to make efficient and cost-effective travel arrangements.

Merrywood School, Bristol

Lord Cocks of Hartcliffe: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether, when the Secretary of State for Education and Employment spoke in Bristol on 22 June, he explained his reasons for agreeing to the closure of Merrywood School, Knowle West, Bristol.

Baroness Blackstone: My right honourable friend met a delegation in his department prior to the decision being taken on the closure of Merrywood School. He listened carefully to the concerns of those objecting to the proposals before coming to a final decision. On his visit to Bristol on 22 June, he spoke to representatives of those campaigning against the closure of Merrywood School and explained the reasons for his decision. Given in particular the small number of pupils on roll at the school, these reasons were readily understood.

Merrywood School, Bristol

Lord Cocks of Hartcliffe: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether, when the Secretary of State for Education and Employment spoke in Bristol on 22 June, he received any representations against the closure of Merrywood School, Knowle West, Bristol, from the Member of Parliament for Bristol South, or the local Councillors Kelvin Blake and George Micklewright.

Baroness Blackstone: Given an oil spillage on the M.4, it was not possible for the Member of Parliament for Bristol South to be in Bristol with my right honourable friend on 22 June. I am not aware, out of the 300 people who attended the meeting in Bristol, who in particular spoke to my right honourable friend.

Merrywood School, Bristol

Lord Cocks of Hartcliffe: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether conversations about the closure of Merrywood School, Knowle West, Bristol, the Secretary of State for Education and Employment has had with his Parliamentary Private Secretary, the Member of Parliament for Bristol East.

Baroness Blackstone: Conversations between my right honouarable friend and MPs are personal and private, but I see no reason why my right honourable friend would have discussed with his Parliamentary Private Secretary an issue which does not affect her constituency.

Merrywood School, Bristol

Lord Cocks of Hartcliffe: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many times the Secretary of State for Education and Employment has listened to the tape asking him to reconsider his decision to close Merrywood School, Knowle West, Bristol, given to him during his visit to Bristol on 22 June.

Baroness Blackstone: This is not an appropriate Question for me to answer. However, I am aware that my right honourable friend has listened to material produced previously and gave his assurances on 22 June that he would listen to the tape, and thus he will have done so.

Tunisia: Human Rights

Lord Avebury: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will ask the Government of Tunisia to comply with the request by the United Nations Special Rapporteurs on Torture and on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers for invitations to visit Tunisia.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: The UK Government regularly raises human rights with the Tunisian Government, as my honourable friend the Minster of State, Peter Hain, did when he visited the country in April 2000. We will raise this specific issue in the course of our normal contacts.

Kuwaiti Prisoners in Iraq

The Earl of Sandwich: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What action they have taken through international channels to promote the cause of 580 Kuwaiti and other civilians and prisoners of war still held in Iraq against international conventions; and
	What progress has been made by the International Committee of the Red Cross to assist the families of Kuwaiti and other civilians and prisoners in Iraq to make contact with the authorities and to urge their release.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: Her Majesty's Government continue to play a leading role in the Tripartite Commission process, which, under the chairmanship of the International Committee of the Red Cross, works to resolve the cases of the 600 or more Kuwaitis missing since the Gulf War. We regret that Iraq has refused to attend the meetings of the commission and its Technical Sub-Committee since January 1999, thereby hindering further progress. It is appalling that to date Iraq has provided information sufficient to close only three of the case files. We continue to work with the ICRC and other commission members to overcome these obstacles, and sent a delegation to consultations in Geneva on 21 June for this purpose. We also support the work of Yuli Vorontsov, appointed under UNSCR 1284 (a UK initiative) as co-ordinator for this and other Kuwaiti issues. My honourable friend the Minister of State, Peter Hain, discussed with Mr Vorontsov last week his efforts to secure renewed Iraqi engagement.

Sierra Leone: Liberian Support for Rebels

Lord Hylton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether rebel forces in Sierra Leone are receiving weapons, food, medicine and training from the authorities in Liberia; and, if so, what action they propose.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: There is increasing international concern over reports of close links between the RUF rebels in Sierra Leone and supporters in Liberia. The EU has recently expressed deep concern at President Taylor's failure to prevent arms and other supplies from reaching the rebels in Sierra Leone from the territory of Liberia.
	We are taking forward our discussions with international partners on these issues. We welcome the EU's decision on 13 June to delay signature of the National Indicative Programme for Liberia in the light of concerns about Liberian activities.

Holders of Diplomatic Immunity: Serious Offences

Baroness Gale: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many serious offences were alleged to have been committed in the United Kingdom in 1999 by persons entitled to immunity by virtue of their employment by a diplomatic mission or an international organisation.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: From a community of over 17,500 persons entitled to immunity, 36 serious offences, allegedly committed by such persons, were drawn to the attention of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1999. "Serious Offences" are defined in accordance with the 1985 White Paper on Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges; i.e. as offences that would in certain circumstances carry a penalty of 12 months' imprisonment or more.

Council of the European Union: Forthcoming Business

Lord Sewel: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they will list the forthcoming business in the Council of Europe for July; and list the major European Union events for the next six months.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: This calendar is primarily concerned with European Union matters, but certain other relevant events are also included. Events and dates quoted are based on the information available on the date of issue.
	
		European Calendar: July-December 2000
		
			 Date Location Event 
			 July 
			 3-7 Strasbourg European Parliament Plenary 
			 7-8 Paris Social Affairs Council (informal) 
			 10-11 Brussels General Affairs Council 
			 15-16 Paris Environment Council (Informal) 
			 17 Brussels ECOFIN Council 
			 17-18 Brussels Agriculture Council 
			 19 Tokyo EU/Japan Summit 
			 20 Brussels Budget Council 
			 20-21 Lille Culture Council (Informal) 
			 27 Bangkok ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial 
			 28-29 Bangkok ASEAN Post Ministerial 
			 28-29 Marseilles Justice and Home Affairs Council (Informal) 
			 August There are no Councils scheduled for this month.  September 
			 2-3 Evian Gymnich 
			 3-5 Biarritz Agriculture Council (Informal) 
			 15 Paris EU/Ukraine Summit 
			 9-10 Versailles ECOFIN Council (Informal) 
			 18-19 Brussels General Affairs Council 
			 25-26 Brussels Agriculture Council 
			 28 Brussels Internal Market/Consumer Council 
			 28  Justice and Home Affairs Council? 
			  
			 October 
			 02 Luxembourg Transport Council 
			 03 Luxembourg Telecommunications Council 
			 09-10 Luxembourg General Affairs Council 
			 10 Luxembourg Environment Council 
			 13 Biarritz European Council (Informal) 
			 2 (tbc) Paris EU/US Ministerial meeting 
			 16-17 Luxembourg Labour and Social Affairs Council 
			 17 Luxembourg ECOFIN JHA Council 
			 19-21 Seoul Europe/Asia Summit 
			 23 China EU/China Summit 
			 23-24 Luxembourg Argiculture Council 
			 25 Luxembourg Education Council 
			 30 (tbc) Paris EU-Russia summit 
			 November 
			 30 (tbc) Paris EU/Canada Ministerial 
			 07 Brussels ECOFIN Council 
			 07 Brussels Environment Council 
			 09 Brussels Education/Youth Council 
			 13 Marseilles Euro-Mediterranean Summit 
			 16 Brussels Research Council 
			 14 Marseilles Euro Mediterranean Summit (possible) 
			 17 Brussels Fisheries Council 
			 20-21 Brussels General Affairs Council 
			 20-21 Brussels Agriculture Council 
			 23 Brussels Culture/Audio Council 
			 23 Montbeliard European Conference Ministerial 
			 23-24 Brussels Budget Council 
			 27-2 Brussels ECOFIN Council 
			 27-2 Brussels Labour and Social Affairs Council 
			 30 Brussels Justice and Home Affairs Council 
			 30 Brussels Internal market/consumers Council 
			 29-30 Gaborone EU/SADC ministerial 
			 December 
			 01 Brussels Justice and Home Affairs Council 
			 04-05 Brussels General Affairs Council 
			 04 Brussels Telecommunications Council 
			 05 Brussels Energy and Industry Council 
			 07-08 Nice European Council 
			 14-15 Brussels Fisheries Council 
			 18 Brussels Environment Council 
			 18 Brussels Ecofin Council 
			 18  EU/United States Summit 
			 19 Brussels Environment Council 
			 19-20 Brussels Agriculture Council 
			 19  EU/Canada Summit 
			 20-21 Brussels Transport Council

Iran: Foreign Secretary's Proposed Visit

Lord Hoyle: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	When the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs is proposing to travel to Iran.

Baroness Scotland of Asthal: The visit to Iran of my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs has been postponed, owing to the busy schedule and travel commitments of Dr Kamal Kharrazi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Both he and Dr Kharrazi are keen for the visit to proceed and will be consulting to find a mutually convenient date.

Human Rights Act 1998: Commencement Orders

Lord Lester of Herne Hill: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	When they propose to make commencement orders under the Human Rights Act 1998 providing for the coming into effect of the provisions of the Act.

Lord Bassam of Brighton: We propose to make commencement orders under the Human Rights Act 1998 providing for the coming into effect of the provisions of the Act in due course.

Violent and Sexual Offences: Sentences

Lord Dholakia: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	How many sentences were passed under Section 2(2)(b) of the Criminal Justice Act 1991 in the last year for which figures are available; and what proportion of Crown Court sentences passed for violent and sexual offences did this represent.

Lord Bassam of Brighton: The requested information is not collected centrally.
	However, findings from a research study of sentencing practice published in Home Office Research Study 180 show that, from a sample of 1,800 Crown Court cases, eight, or 3 per cent, of offenders convicted of violent offences and five, or 6 per cent, of those convicted of sexual offences were given a longer than normal custodial sentence under Section 2(2)(b).

Rehabilitation of Offenders: Review

Lord Dholakia: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	When the announced review of the rehabilitation periods contained in the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 will begin; what form the review will take; and what will be the composition of the review group.

Lord Bassam of Brighton: We are currently considering the form and scope of the review. My right honourable friend the Home Secretary will write to the noble Lord as soon as he has formed a view on these matters.

Multiple Sclerosis

Lord Dubs: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What assessment they have made regarding the effectiveness of (a) physiotherapy and (b) diet in helping multiple sclerosis sufferers.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: No formal assessments have been made regarding the effectiveness of physiotherapy and diet in helping multiple sclerosis sufferers. However, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence is currently commissioning guidelines on the management of multiple sclerosis. These clinical guidelines will cover all aspects of care.
	The guidelines will be based on robust research evidence, and will consider issues of clinical and cost effectiveness. They will be issued in a form that is useful to clinicians and patients on a day-to-day basis.

Multiple Sclerosis

Lord Dubs: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	Whether they have any plans to increase the resources devoted to (a) physiotherapy and (b) dietary advice for multiple sclerosis sufferers.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: The Government are committed to improving services for all National Health Service patients, including those with multiple sclerosis. My right honourable friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer recently announced a four-year package of additional funding for the NHS, its biggest ever increase in resources. It is, however, for individual health authorities and primary care groups to plan and arrange the services available to people in their care.
	Complex multiple sclerosis is included in the comprehensive list of specialised services in the Health Service Commissioning in the New NHS. This means that regional offices will need to give special consideration in the treatment and care of people with complex multiple sclerosis.

"Do Not Resuscitate" Instructions

Lord Morris of Manchester: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	In what circumstances it is permissible to apply the instruction "Do not Resuscitate" to patients in National Health Service hospitals; and in how many cases such instructions were issued in the latest year for which figures are available.

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath: Guidelines on Decisions Relating to Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation issued in a joint statement by the British Medical Association, the Royal College of Nursing and the Resuscitation Council (UK) advise that it would be appropriate to consider a "do not resuscitate" decision:
	where effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation is unlikely to be effective;
	where resuscitation is not in accord with the wishes of a mentally competent adult nor with a patient's valid advance directive; and
	where successful resuscitation is likely to be followed by a length and quality of life which would not be in the best interests of the patient to sustain. Information on the number of "do not resuscitate" decisions made in National Health Service hospitals is not centrally collected.

Women's Issues: 10 Downing Street Website Policy Discussions

Baroness Rendell of Babergh: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	When the policy discussion on the Number 10 website on issues raised by the consultation conducted by the Women's Unit will be launched; how long it will run; and how the information will be treated once the consultation is over.

Baroness Jay of Paddington: The Number 10 website will host a policy discussion, on the issues arising from the Listening to Women Consultation, which will open on 3 July and will last between four and five weeks. It will cover issues such as work-life balance; support from government for women's life choices; business start-ups; access to information and communications technology and the forthcoming parental leave and maternity review. A summary of the comments will be posted on the No. 10 website, along with a response statement from the Ministers for Women when the discussion period is over. The website address is www.number-10.gov.uk.

House of Lords Reform: Joint Committee

Lord Acton: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	When they intend to propose the appointment of a Joint Committee of both Houses to consider the parliamentary aspects of reform of the House of Lords, as set out in the White Paper Modernising Parliament: Reforming the House of Lords (Cm 4183, January 1999).

Baroness Jay of Paddington: As my right honourable friend the President of the Council confirmed on 19 June, we aim to establish a Joint Committee of both Houses to consider the parliamentary implications of the Royal Commission on Reform of the House of Lords' proposals for the composition of the second chamber, which the Government have broadly accepted. We intend that it should begin work as soon as possible after the summer Recess. We are opening discussions through the usual channels in both Houses on the membership and precise terms of reference.

OSCE Parliamentary Assembly: UK Delegation

Lord Shepherd: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What changes there are in the composition of the United Kingdom Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

Baroness Jay of Paddington: The noble Lord, Lord Jopling, currently a substitute member, is to become a full representative, replacing the noble Viscount, Lord Montgomery of Alamein. The noble Earl, Lord Northesk, is to become a substitute member of the delegation.

GM Seed: Exclusion of Crops from Food Chain

Lord Swinfen: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What steps they are taking to ensure that all crops produced from the unauthorised sowing of genetically modified seed do not enter the food chain.

Baroness Hayman: Although the crop concerned has been approved for food use in Europe we have made it clear that the circumstances of these sowings mean that marketing of the crop would be illegal. We have worked with the EU to provide a satisfactory resolution to the Arable Area Payments aspects of this event and welcome the commitment of the company involved to provide adequate compensation. We will be taking appropriate monitoring and enforcement action in relation to these arrangements.

Under 10 Metre Fishing Fleet

Lord Rea: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What changes are proposed in the licensing and quota management arrangements for the under 10 metre fishing fleet; and whether they will report progress.

Baroness Hayman: Since May 1993, vessels of 10 metres and under in overall length engaged in fishing for profit have been required to hold a valid fishing vessel licence issued by one of the Fisheries Departments in the UK. The catches made by such vessels count against the UK's allocations of quota.
	Last year, and in response to concerns about the scope for increased fishing effort, the Fisheries Departments invited comments on measures to improve the management of the under 10 metre fleet. More than 250 replies have been received from fishermen's organisations and individual fishermen. The majority of those commenting were opposed to further constraints being placed on this part of the industry such as a prohibition on weekend fishing, regional licensing or species specific licences.
	Although the Fisheries Departments have been successful in limiting the closure of fisheries, this may not be possible in future if fishing effort expands. In recent years there has been a sharp increase in the construction of vessels between 9 and 10 metres. This trend prompted the departments to introduce monthly catch limits for North Sea nephrops last Autumn and to extend these arrangements to Area VII and West of Scotland nephrops for the year 2000.
	It is the view of the Fisheries Departments that it would be prudent to adopt further measures to constrain future growth in fishing effort within the under 10 metre fleet. Consequently, from 1 January 2001, the licences of vessels between 8 and 10 metres will be ring fenced and it will not be possible from that date to aggregate licences from vessels under 8 metres on to vessels between 8 and 10 metres. From the same date, a limit of 70 vessel capacity units will apply to the aggregation of licences on to vessels below 8 metres. Additionally, the Licensing Review Working Group, comprising representatives from industry and Fisheries Departments, has been asked to consider whether any changes should be made in the capacity penalties applying to the transfer or aggregation of licences within the under 10 metre fleet.
	The Fisheries Departments will continue to manage quota allocations for the under 10 metre fleet with the objective of providing fishing opportunities throughout the year. Quota allocations for the main stocks of interest to under 10 metre vessels have been underpinned for a number of years and in future any surplus that arises on these allocations will be utilised to acquire additional quota. Greater use will also be made of EU provisions on end year flexibility enabling quota to be borrowed from the following year and for certain stocks for any surplus to be banked. Where the quota available is not sufficient to provide for year-round fisheries, the Fisheries Departments will take action to close fisheries for limited periods or to impose monthly catch limits. Consideration will also be given to whether suitable arrangements might be possible that would enable producer organisations to manage quota in respect of under 10 metre vessels within their membership.

Red Tape and Bureaucracy Review: Implementation of Recommendations

Baroness Byford: asked Her Majesty's Government:
	What progress has been made towards implementing the recommendations, made to the Government and accepted by the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on 1 February, by the three working groups established to look into red tape and bureaucracy; how many of these proposals which do not require approval from the European Union have been acted upon, and how many are outstanding; and how many of these proposals which require agreement by the European Union have been approved and acted upon, and how many are outstanding.

Baroness Hayman: On the 78 recommendations requiring action in the UK, 23 have been completed, progress has been made on 53, one has been rejected after further investigation and one is outstanding.
	On the 26 now taken to Brussels, one has been completed, 11 have not been accepted by the Commission or have been noted for further discussion, progress has been made on 10 and four will be addressed in the context of new food hygiene laws.
	The Government intend to publish action plans updated to set out detailed progress in July.